by CARL L. BECKER



Editorial Reviews

When Carl L. Becker's classic study of the text of the Declaration of
Independence first appeared in 1922, it marked a great departure from the
passionate and patriotic tenor of many existing historical analyses.
Becker claims his work was well received by all reviewers save one, who
criticized its preoccupation with hard cold documents. In the 1941
introduction to this edition, Becker defends his approach, stating: "I was
aware that men had bled and died for freedom.... But on this occasion I
chose to write a book about the document itself ... a state paper of
sufficient renown to be classed with the world's classics of political
literature."

Becker describes the rhythm of the first line of the Declaration of
Independence as "that felicitous, haunting cadence which is the peculiar
quality of Jefferson's best writing." He goes on to define the purpose of
the document, its views, where those views arose, and how succeeding
generations have accepted or modified them. Chapters such as "Historical
Antecedents of the Declaration: The Natural Rights Philosophy," "Drafting
the Declaration; The Literary Qualities of the Declaration," and "The
Philosophy of the Declaration in the Nineteenth Century" distinguish this
book as one of the most complete studies of America's--and arguably the
world's--most important historical document.

Product Description:

The Declaration of Independence
Carl L. Becker's important study is an analysis of the concepts expressed
in the Declaration. Here is a lucid explanation of what the Declaration
really is, what views it sets forth, where those views arose, and how they
have been accepted or modified by succeeding generations. A book that
every American should read.

Product Details

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Vintage (February 12, 1958)
ISBN: 0394700600